Shawn Gregory's mantra is to "just keep working."
As one of three Black members of the Springfield City Council and the alderperson representing Ward 2 – which includes much of the economically struggling east side as well as parts of downtown – Gregory said he hopes to use his time in elected office to help his constituents improve their lives and neighborhoods.
"This is a special time for me," said Gregory, 41, who was voted Best City Official this year by Illinois Times readers. "I want to do well. I want to leave a legacy for my kids. I want to see a significant, visible change in the community."
In the middle of his second four-year term, Gregory said news of the win was exciting and humbling to him – and even more reason to make good use of a seat that was made possible by the city's 1987 civil rights lawsuit consent decree. That ruling changed the council from one with a mayor and four commissioners, all elected citywide, to a panel of a mayor and 10 alderpersons elected from voters in their wards. The mayor continues to be elected citywide.
"I just want to continue to work and get good things done," Gregory said.
Born in Denver, Gregory said he has lived in Springfield since he was 7 or 8. He said he was in the foster care system for a time and experienced economic hardship like many of his constituents.
Ward 2 may have some of the city's biggest challenges, "but we have great potential, as well," he said, adding, "We've seen some success."
Gregory works for the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, has a girlfriend, and is the father of three daughters and a son, ranging in age from 7 to 21. He graduated in 2003 from Lanphier High School, where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams.
When tagging along with Gregory, one is struck by his familiarity with his constituents and their joys, struggles, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
As chairperson of the Black Aldermanic Caucus, Gregory said he knows he sometimes has to push hard in advocating for his ward, sometimes resulting in raised voices during council meetings.
He said he would like to think he has become better over time at advocacy when so many interests are competing for the city's attention and funds. "If you're not growing, then something's wrong," he said.
